10 Amazing Places to Travel With Your Mom

Girls' trip! 👯

By
Jordi Lippe-McGraw

Apr 4, 2017

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Girls’ trips are great: They’re a time to relax, catch up, and not have to think about the guys in your lives. But what about spending quality time with the OG gal pal in your life: mom? I tapped Millennial travel agent and expert Ann Coleman of Pique Travel Here for her top 10 trips that will suit the personality of any dynamic duo. Check them out.

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1Sedona, Arizona

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Best for: Spa lovers

If your itinerary reads something like this — sleep in, get a massage, and lounge by the pool — Sedona, Arizona, is the destination for you two. The desert town is two hours north of Scottsdale and known for its stunning red-rock landscape and New Age vibe. Travelers come here to decompress and focus on wellness, making it perfect for spa-loving duos. Book a weekend at the Sedona Summit, where a spa, hiking trails, and delicious meals are at your fingertips.

Does a mud bath mean something entirely different to you? Mother-daughter pairs who would rather get dirty than get pampered should head to Bozeman, Montana. “The down-to-earth destination has tons of hiking, biking, and fishing,” says Coleman. “But it also has a cute main street with galleries and shops to explore.” Use the country-chic hotel, The Lark, as a home base, and the onsite staff will guide you to nearby sporty activities.

Maybe hiking or climbing isn’t your thing, but you’re adventurous about trying new food. Book a trip to Mexico City, Mexico. “This city is experiencing a huge cultural boom right now and rapidly becoming foodie central,” Coleman says. Nonstop flights make the city easy to get to, so you can just spend time eating at hotspots like Biko and Pujol. If you stay at Las Alcobas, you’ll be within walking distance of many of the city’s best restaurants.

While party spots like Cancun are good for a trip with your BFFs, mom’s probably not into festivities like taking body shots, which is why Belize might be a better option if you’re interested in hitting the beach and soaking up the sun. “Belize has more protected land than Costa Rica, the largest concentration of Mayan ruins, and second largest reef other than the Great Barrier Reef,” Coleman says. Also, the Central American country is easy to get to and safe for female travelers. The Mata Rocks resort is a stunning beachside getaway to chill out for a couple of days. If you’re feeling a bit more active, try some watersports or explore the nearby jungle.

Did you grow up looking forward to trips to the mall with mom? Up the ante by heading to Paris, where the shopping is bar none. Stay at La Belle Juliette as a jumping-off point to hit the town and check out shops like Garrice, a shoe shop, and GoldyMama, a vintage store. And the French capital isn’t too shabby when it comes to dining and museum options to fill out the rest of your trip. “The city really has it all,” Coleman says. “Great for shopping, sightseeing, food tours, cooking classes, and so much more.”

Sure, the two of you rule the roost at home but a trip to Ireland is the way to go if you’re curious about what it’s like to be legit royalty. Rent a car for a regal road trip and a “hilarious adventure while visiting little villages and castles throughout the country,” Coleman says. There’s also plenty of hiking and history to be had, and you can even stay in a real-life castle, like Dromoland Castles near Limerick.

If you and your mom bonded over Eat, Pray, Love, India is the way to go. Yes, it’s a longer journey, but it’s perfect for a spiritual quest. Sign up for any number of yoga retreats, like Purple Valley in Goa, or volunteer at local nonprofits through programs like Go Overseas. In between Zen-ing out or helping out, wander around pretty much any town and find stunning handmade textiles to bring home. “India is incredible for the culturally adventurous,” Coleman adds.

There’s no better place to embrace your individuality than Portland, Oregon — everything is completely unique, from the food served at the restaurants to the accessories sold at the boutiques (one company even makes a leather beer carrier for your bike!). But there’s also plenty to do outdoors. “While the city is great to explore,” says Coleman, “Portland is also known for its great eco activities, like hiking to the waterfalls at Columbia River Gorge, located just outside the city, or visiting the Japanese Garden.” Crash at quirky hotels, like Northrup Inn Station or Kennedy School McMenamins, which was actually a former elementary school.

Do you pride yourself on making your mom’s secret recipe? Learn a new one together by heading to Tuscany, Italy, a dream for amateur chefs. Take a gourmet cooking class at Le Baccanti in Montepulciano, where you’ll make like chestnut-flour lasagna with ricotta cheese, buristo salami, and tomatoes served with cauliflower sauce. After a day in the kitchen, relax back at nearby Hotelito Lupaia.

Every mom likes to remember the past, but if she’s into legit history then Charleston, South Carolina will be heaven. Founded in 1670, the southern city still retains much of its historic charm with its cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages, and pastel colonial houses. Spend the day wandering the streets and checking out the many museums, and rest up at the Andrew Pinckney Inn, located in the heart of it all.

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